'Single handedly carried that team': Ex-All Black questions Damian McKenzie's selection in world XV

Former All Black fullback Israel Dagg has questioned the selection of Damian McKenzie in the dream 15 international team of the year at the World Rugby awards.

McKenzie started the first eight Tests of the season under Scott Robertson before being moved to the bench in favour of Beauden Barrett for the final Bledisloe game.

The Chiefs playmaker got one more start during the year, against Ireland in Dublin, where he piloted the side to a 23-13 win and took the man-of-the-match award.

Dagg praised McKenzie’s play down the stretch as an impact player and said he’d done enough, but questioned why England flyhalf Marcus Smith wasn’t picked.

“I thought D-Mac towards the end of the season, played well,” Dagg said on Sport Nation’s Scotty & Izzy show.

“You know, his position, his role, his impact off the bench, you know, warranted his probably inclusion into that world 15 Dream Team of the Year.

“But what happened to Marcus Smith? Marcus Smith, very good 10, I feel, in a struggling English side.”

England’s flyhalf starred during the Autumn Nations Series but three losses to New Zealand, Australia and South Africa put a damper on England’s November.

Dagg believe that the 25-year-old “single handedly carried” the England team through the month.

“But I think from what I’ve seen and watching Marcus closely over the last five weeks, I think he’s been outstanding in a disappointing English side.

“He’s pretty much single handedly carried that team to close the victory multiple occasions.

“Yeah, so look, I think there’s a fair debate there, but well done to Damien and well done to will Jordan, Tyrell, Lomax as well, included in that squad.”

In the McKenzie vs Smith debate in 2024, the Kiwi has the advantage having led the All Blacks to a 3-0 sweep over England.

Smith’s wayward boot in Dunedin cost a potential victory while a try assist and two second half penalties lifted the All Blacks to a 16-15 win.

The following week in Auckland Smith produced a couple of try assists while McKenzie sparked the All Blacks attack with multiple line break assists.

The All Blacks won 24-17, before a rematch in November at Twickenham. McKenzie produced a clutch sideline conversion to lift New Zealand to a 24-22 victory after Marcus Smith was taken off in the final stages for George Ford.